The Isuzu D-Max is set to join the ranks of electric pickups, with a prototype version of the battery-powered truck going on display at the Bangkok motor show.
Isuzu says that the D-Max BEV will offer lots of the features that a standard pickup provides, meaning that it should still be able to perform plenty of the tough tasks often required of vehicles in this class.
The Isuzu D-Max BEV will come with a full-time 4WD system that uses electronic axles front and rear, while also promises the progressive acceleration and quiet driving experience that is a characteristic of electric vehicles.
Dual motors, lots of pulling power
There is a pair of electric motors, one at the front and one at the rear, combining to provide a total power output of 174hp (130kW). The front provides 54hp (40kW) of this while the rear makes up the remaining 120hp (90kW). It also comes with a strong torque output of 325Nm that means Isuzu claims the electric D-Max should be capable of a maximum towing capacity of 3.5 tonnes – something not all diesel trucks are capable of offering.
This is alongside a payload that will be music to the ears of all those that put their pickup trucks through a business. The D-Max BEV also has the ability to carry a full 1,000kg payload, which means it will be eligible for the much lower commercial vehicle tax rates in the UK.
The one notable thing that Isuzu hasn’t given details on is the likely range that the D-Max BEV will offer. It has said that it will have a 66.9kWh Lithium-ion battery, though. This is smaller than the battery offered in the only other electric pickup on sale in the UK – the Maxus T90EV has an 88.55kWh battery and an official range of just over 200 miles.
UK and Europe plans confirmed
The Isuzu D-Max will be joining the Maxus on sale in the UK, but not until 2025 at the very earliest. It will definitely be coming to Europe, though, with Isuzu confirming that it will be launching in ‘select Europe markets such as Norway.’
Isuzu says that it will be rolled out to the UK, Australia, Thailand and other countries depending on ‘market needs and the maturity of EV charging infrastructure.’
The vehicle on show at the Bangkok motor show in Thailand is a prototype vehicle, with more information on a production vehicle likely to follow closer to its launch.
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